David Perlman

David Michael Perlman, administrator, educator, inventor, engineer, entrepreneur, mentor, and raconteur, passed away February 8 in his home with his family. David was born September 30, 1940 to Ruth (Ingber) and Nate Perlman, who both predeceased him. Born in Saginaw, he spent his childhood in Ann Arbor, and his junior high and high school years in Tucson, AZ. David returned to the Ann Arbor area in the early 1960's to work at the family business, Diehl Wreckers, and attend the University of Michigan, where he eventually completed two degrees. David thought of Ann Arbor as his home for ever after. David's life was too brief, but he achieved much in a little over 72 years: a career as an administrator and innovator of non-traditional graduate degrees at the University of Michigan School of Public Health; an amateur designer of race cars and life-long gear head; a champion of local folk music from the days of Mark's Coffee House and the Canterbury House through the The Ark; an active participant in local Democratic Party politics and campaigns; an inventor and partner in three biomedical device companies; a sharer of his time and energy as a board member for The Ark and Trichotillomania Learning Center; a beloved member of an extended and close-knit family. In addition to his polymath interests and skills, David will be remembered for his warm smile, his generous nature, his endless supply of corny jokes, his bountiful collection of obscure but fascinating facts, a treasure trove of Tin Pan Alley songs, and his ability to quickly sketch out a technological diagram on any paper napkin that was handy. David will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. He leaves behind countless friends and extended family, including nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins. He will be especially missed by his adored and adoring sisters, Julie, of Danville, CA, and Nancy (Tom Klingenstein) of New York, NY; and by his parents-in-law, Billy and Elisa Ann Frye of Clarkesville, GA; and by his wife, Elisa Talitha Frye, of Ann Arbor. David's passing leaves a particular hole in the life of his daughter, Hannah, with whom he shared his quirky sense of humor and philosophy of life. A celebration of David's life will be held April 14 at The Ark in Ann Arbor. Donations may be made in David's name to The Ark or to Arbor Hospice or the good cause of one's choice.